Joseph Johnson pocket watch

[viking35]

The pocket watch my mother left me has these markings on the face frame:
Railway Time Keepers
Joseph Johnson, 65 Church St. Liverpool

The inscription on the inside cover has these markings: 5869 and 44835
It appears to be either 14 or 18k gold casing.

My Grandparents and Great Grandparents were born and raised in Norway. As ship carpenters they traveled to England. Either one could have bought it there.

My mother was born in USA and worked in NYC. It's possible she bought it there?

Comments please?

 

[DaveyG]

Hi viking35 and a warm welcome to the Message Board.

In order for us to give you meaningful information about your watch it would be best if you could post some crisp, sharp photographs which should preferably include the dial, the movement (works) and any hallmarks or other punch marks that are stamped into the back of the case. Given this we shold be able to give you some information about the movement and the date of production.

Joseph Johnson was a well known and respected Liverpool watchmaker who exported watches to the USA in quantity. The history of Joseph Johnson is quite complex and not too easy to précis so I will wait until we have seen pictures but essentially Joseph Johnson Snr was born around 1780 and his will was proved in the City of Chester in 1827; but the business was continued by a son also Joseph.

Because of his reputation in America there were forgeries made, usually in Switzerland, that were imported to the USA. Again, photographs will show whether your watch is the real deal or one of these 'copies'.